3 nabbed with counterfeit liquor worth R400 000
The men were caught in the act of bottling self-made liquor into bottles – branded with the name of a well-known vodka brand – at a company in Westmead.
THREE men were arrested in Westmead for manufacturing illegal spirited liquor at a clandestine distillery yesterday, Tuesday, September 12.
The trio were caught in the act by Pinetown police, who were working together with officers from the eThekwini District Trio Task Team.
KZN police spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda said the operation involved officers from Crime Intelligence, KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Board, a courier company and a brewery expert from the affected alcohol brand.
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According to Netshiunda, police gathered intelligence about a company that was manufacturing counterfeit liquor, and an operational plan was put in motion.
“During observation, it was uncovered that the gates to the building were always shut, however, the suspects were continuing with their shenanigans behind closed doors. Upon tactically penetrating into the building, police found three men in the act of bottling self-made liquor into bottles branded with the name of a well-known vodka brand,” reported Netshiunda.
Police recovered and seized the branded boxes, tons of liquor, a matrix printer and bottle caps, all valued at approximately R400 000.
The three suspects, aged between 29 and 42 years old, are expected to appear in court soon.
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